Engineering Lead – Taste Elevation

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois, +2 more states.

📋 Description

• Lead the multi-year and annual planning for maintenance and growth capital for designated sites/manufacturing POD.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Food Safety & Quality, EHS, suppliers, FM Global, Roofing, PSM, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain leads, to prioritize maintenance budgets.

• Ensure that capital plans are realistic and that projects prevent unanticipated operational or service disruptions.

• Oversee the health, compliance, and execution of maintenance and growth projects across designated plants/manufacturing POD.

• Guarantee safe construction practices and effective, compliant equipment installation.

• Mentor site Engineering and Capital Project Managers on lean construction collaboration, quality, safety, cost, and delivery methods.

• Authorize project change-control requests and any contingency or supplemental funding.

• Create portfolio status reports for global and North American committees.

• Monitor and manage construction progress alongside the Fixed Asset team.

• Spearhead capital projects from conceptual design to vertical startup in coordination with internal and external partners.

• Define project budgets, timelines, structures, resource requirements, and necessary skills.

• Lead the submission of Capital Appropriations Requests and advocate to capital investment committees.

• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations for project personnel, contractors, and subcontractors.

• Develop and implement strategies for project risk management.

• Maintain communication with project teams, governance teams, business partners, and stakeholders.

• Provide regular progress updates throughout project lifecycles.

• Implement project and financial controls related to change management, cost forecasting, productivity assessment, invoice review, and payment processing.

• Ensure that commissioning and vertical startup are in line with handover strategies and operational forecasts.

• Collaborate with PMO and Global/International teams on KHMS updates, audits, and health check evaluations.

• Promote continuous improvement in capital project management activities and processes.

• Develop and disseminate capital management best practices and KPIs.

• Create and oversee onboarding and training programs for Engineering and Capital Project Managers.

• Identify cost-saving opportunities with plant teams and convert prioritized ideas into actionable projects.

• Manage, coach, and mentor both direct and indirect reports.

• Partner with Engineering, Technical Services, and HR to foster team development and career progression.

• Lead organizational change management initiatives and engage cross-functional HR partners.

• Ensure that projects utilize suitable technical solutions while adhering to cost targets.

• Support post-implementation reviews.

• Collaborate with Procurement on sourcing strategies, technical requirements, specifications, bidding, and bid evaluations.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an accredited engineering institution or a related field is mandatory.

• Experience in engineering, project management, and/or technical leadership across multiple sites is required.

• Prior experience in an in-plant technical role is preferred.

• A PMP certification is highly preferred.

• Experience with strategic and annual capital planning is essential.

• A robust background in process and packaging equipment for the food industry and/or plant facility engineering and maintenance is necessary.

• Familiarity with building construction and components, building utilities, mechanical and electrical systems, ammonia refrigeration systems, electrical control systems, computer applications, facility support equipment, and water and wastewater systems is required.

• Proven ability to direct/lead/manage cross-functional teams on substantial capital projects/programs valued at $20MM or more.

• Understanding of capital financial metrics and manufacturing KPIs is important.

• Ability to operate effectively in a matrix environment.

• Proficient understanding of project management practices, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring/controlling, and closure.

• Working knowledge of pre-design and pre-construction phases, building systems/components and technology, contract management, project delivery methods, and team development.

• Hands-on experience in negotiating and managing contracts and agreements with engineering contractors, vendors, regulatory, and government agencies.

• Experience reading and interpreting architectural, mechanical, electrical, process, plumbing, structural, and fire construction drawings and specifications.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal abilities.

• Willingness to travel outside the home state for extended periods, potentially up to 50% of the time.

• Ability to work remotely with minimal supervision.

• Flexibility to work a varied schedule including days, afternoons, nights, and overtime as required.

• Capability to inspect sites for safety issues, occasionally work at heights, navigate workplaces, and function in noisy environments.

🏝️ Benefits

• Performance-based bonus.

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision.

• Screenings and assessments.

• Paid time off.

• Company-recognized holidays.

• Leave of absence policies.

• Flexible work arrangements.

• Recognition programs.

• Training opportunities.

• Employee Assistance Program.

• Wellbeing initiatives.

• Family support programs.

• 401(k) retirement plan.

• Life insurance coverage.

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance.

• Disability coverage.